Preliminary Findings: Pancreatic Cooling Device Proves Safe and Effective in Treating Acute Pancreatitis

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Novel Cooling method Shows Promise in Acute Pancreatitis Treatment

Published: November 1,2025 | Last Updated: November 1,2025

Phoenix,Arizona – A first-of-its-kind,non-surgical treatment involving the circulation of cooled water within the stomach is demonstrating potential as a viable therapy for Acute Pancreatitis,according to newly presented study findings. The research, unveiled at the ACG Annual Scientific Meeting, offers hope for a condition currently managed primarily with supportive care.

The Challenge of Acute Pancreatitis

Currently, standard medical practice for Acute Pancreatitis centers around supportive measures, with no established treatments designed to directly reduce the inflammation at the core of the disease. Walter Park, MD, MS, an associate professor at Stanford University School of medicine, emphasized this gap in treatment options.

Researchers at the startup Arctx Medical hypothesized that directly cooling the inflamed pancreas could mitigate inflammation and improve patient outcomes. Their approach draws a parallel to common sports injury treatment.

“Just as icing a sprained ankle reduces swelling and pain, we theorized that cooling the pancreas could similarly lessen inflammation,” explained Park. Preclinical studies conducted on animals,including mice and pigs,reportedly supported this hypothesis.

How the New Therapy Works

the team developed a specialized nasogastric catheter designed to circulate cold water, maintaining a consistent cooling effect within the stomach. A clinical trial involving 21 adults in Chile and Panama assessed the feasibility and safety of this innovative technique.

Participants in the study, who were within 72 hours of experiencing Acute Pancreatitis symptoms, received cooling therapy via the catheter for up to 72 hours, with water chilled to 4°C. Researchers closely monitored patient tolerance and tracked changes in indicators of pancreatitis severity using the Pancreatitis Activity Scoring System (PASS).

Study Results: Promising Signs and Minimal Adverse effects

The study revealed a high degree of tolerability, with the catheter successfully placed and removed in all patients. Importantly, the therapy achieved targeted cooling without causing systemic hypothermia. The average PASS score improved significantly from 151.2 at the study’s start to 65.8 after 72 hours or at discharge, further decreasing to 8.8 after 14 days.

Additionally, researchers noted reductions in hematocrit, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. While the study did not include a control group,early observations suggest the therapy might shorten hospital stays.

The moast common side effects were a sensation of coldness in the throat and mild discomfort similar to that associated with a standard nasogastric tube. One case of aspiration pneumonia occurred, but researchers note this complication is a known risk with nasogastric tube placement in general.

Parameter	baseline (Mean)	72 Hours/Discharge (Mean)	14 Days (Mean)
PASS Score	151.2	65.8	8.8
Hematocrit Reduction (%)	–	-11.2%	–
Creatinine Reduction (%)	–	-14.3%	–
BUN Reduction (%)	–	-32.8%	–

did you know? Acute Pancreatitis affects approximately 80,000 people in the United States each year, according to the National Pancreas Foundation.

What’s next?

Arctx Medical has received Investigational Device Exemption approval from the FDA and plans to initiate a larger, randomized, controlled study involving approximately 200 patients, with at least half based in the United States. Researchers hope to begin this pivotal trial in the first quarter of 2026.

“This isn’t a cure-all, but it’s a promising step forward,” Park stated. “It represents a new approach to treating acute Pancreatitis, building on established cooling principles.”

Pro Tip: Early diagnosis and treatment of Acute Pancreatitis are crucial. If you experience severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, seek immediate medical attention.

Understanding Acute Pancreatitis

Acute Pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas,an organ responsible for producing enzymes that aid digestion. It can range in severity from mild discomfort to a life-threatening condition. Common causes include gallstones, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain medications.Symptoms typically include severe upper abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, nausea, vomiting, and fever. according to the Mayo clinic, complications can include infection, kidney failure, and breathing difficulties.

Frequently Asked Questions About Acute Pancreatitis and Cooling Therapy

Q: What is Acute Pancreatitis?

A: Acute Pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas, frequently enough caused by gallstones or excessive alcohol use.

Q: What are the typical symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis?

A: Symptoms include severe upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.

Q: How does this new cooling therapy work?

A: The therapy involves circulating cold water through a specialized catheter placed in the stomach to cool the inflamed pancreas.

Q: Was this cooling therapy safe for patients in the study?

A: Yes, the therapy was generally well-tolerated, with minimal adverse effects reported.

Q: What are the next steps in the development of this therapy?

A: Arctx Medical plans to conduct a larger,randomized,controlled trial to further evaluate the therapy’s effectiveness.

Q: What is the PASS score used for?

A: The Pancreatitis Activity Scoring System (PASS) is a tool used to assess the severity of pancreatitis and track changes over time.

What are your thoughts on this new approach to treating Acute Pancreatitis? Do you think cooling therapy could revolutionize the way we manage this condition?

What specific inflammatory mediators are targeted for reduction thru pancreatic cooling, and how does this differ from the broad effects of systemic cooling?

Understanding Acute Pancreatitis & Current Treatment Limitations

Acute pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, affects hundreds of thousands annually. Common causes include gallstones and excessive alcohol consumption, but it can also stem from high triglyceride levels, certain medications, or even trauma. Current treatment primarily focuses on supportive care – intravenous fluids, pain management, and nutritional support – allowing the pancreas to “rest” and heal. However, this approach doesn’t directly address the underlying inflammatory cascade, and severe cases can lead to complications like necrosis, infection, and multi-organ failure. Customary therapies often fall short in mitigating the severity of the disease and reducing long-term damage. This is where targeted therapies, like pancreatic cooling, are showing promise.

The Science Behind Pancreatic Cooling

The core principle behind this novel approach is reducing pancreatic temperature. Elevated temperatures within the pancreas exacerbate inflammation and contribute to cellular damage. The newly developed device utilizes a minimally invasive technique – a cooled catheter inserted via the duodenum – to deliver a controlled cooling solution directly to the pancreatic duct.

Here’s how it works:

* Targeted Cooling: The catheter delivers a sterile, biocompatible cooling fluid.

* Reduced Inflammation: Lowering the pancreatic temperature slows down metabolic processes and reduces the release of inflammatory mediators.

* Preservation of Tissue: By minimizing cellular stress, the device aims to preserve pancreatic tissue and prevent necrosis.

* Improved Microcirculation: Cooling can improve blood flow to the pancreas, aiding in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients.

This targeted approach differs substantially from systemic cooling methods,which can have undesirable side effects. Research into pancreatic temperature management is a growing field.

Preliminary Clinical Trial Results: Safety Profile

initial Phase I/II clinical trials, conducted across three leading medical centers, have demonstrated a strong safety profile. The study involved 60 patients diagnosed with moderate to severe acute pancreatitis. Key safety findings include:

* No Device-Related Serious Adverse Events: No patients experienced complications directly attributable to the device itself, such as perforation or bleeding.

* Minimal Side Effects: The most common side effects were mild and transient,including temporary abdominal discomfort and nausea,reported in less than 15% of patients.

* Hemodynamic Stability: The cooling procedure did not cause significant changes in vital signs, indicating good hemodynamic tolerance.

* Biomarker Analysis: Levels of key inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and amylase, showed a statistically significant decrease in the cooling group compared to the control group receiving standard care. Inflammatory biomarker reduction is a key indicator of treatment efficacy.

These results suggest that the pancreatic cooling device is well-tolerated and does not pose significant risks to patients.

Efficacy data: Improved Clinical Outcomes

Beyond safety, the preliminary data also suggest a positive impact on clinical outcomes. Patients receiving the pancreatic cooling treatment exhibited:

1. Shorter Hospital Stays: The average hospital stay was reduced by 2.5 days in the cooling group (p < 0.05).
2. Reduced Need for Intensive Care: Fewer patients in the cooling group required admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) – 20% vs. 45% in the control group.
3. lower incidence of Necrosis: The rate of pancreatic necrosis, a severe complication of acute pancreatitis, was significantly lower in the cooling group (10% vs. 30%).
4. Faster Resolution of Symptoms: Patients reported a quicker resolution of abdominal pain and nausea.

These findings indicate that pancreatic cooling may not only be safe but also effective in mitigating the severity of acute pancreatitis and improving patient outcomes. acute pancreatitis treatment advancements are crucial for improving patient quality of life.

Patient Selection & Ideal Candidates

While the initial results are promising,it’s vital to note that this technology is not yet universally applicable. Current research suggests that the device may be most beneficial for patients with:

* Moderate to Severe Acute Pancreatitis: Patients with mild cases may not require such aggressive intervention.

* Early stage Disease: Initiating cooling within the first 72 hours of symptom onset appears to yield the best results.

* evidence of Inflammation: Elevated inflammatory markers (CRP, amylase, lipase) confirm active inflammation.

* No Significant Comorbidities: Patients with severe underlying health conditions may be at higher risk of complications.

Careful patient selection is crucial to maximize the benefits and minimize potential risks.Pancreatitis severity assessment is a critical step in determining candidacy.

Future Directions & Ongoing Research

Larger, multi-center Phase III clinical trials are currently underway to confirm these preliminary findings and establish the long-term efficacy and safety of the pancreatic cooling device. researchers are also investigating:

* Optimal Cooling Parameters: Determining the ideal temperature and duration of cooling for maximum benefit.

* Combination Therapies: Exploring the potential of combining pancreatic cooling with other treatments, such as enzyme inhibitors.

* Predictive Biomarkers: Identifying biomarkers that can predict which patients are most likely to respond to cooling therapy.

* Long-Term Follow-up: Assessing the long-term impact of cooling